HELP! Does anyone know about textured thermofused-melamine??

13 years ago

I am re-doing my kitchen and I fell in love with a driftwood look from poggenpohl. I can't afford it so am getting bids for a look that is inspired by it. I have gotten bids for stained wood veneer, thermafoil and thermofused-melamine (tfm)-I like the tfm color best. The company said tfm is very popular for kitchens in Europe. (A bid I got from an italian company also used tfm). But a local cabinet maker said he doesn't use it cuz it's too thin and not durable. Is thermofused-melamine a high quality material to use for an upscale kitchen or is thermafoil better for a European look.

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Toni Sabatino

12 years ago

It is a process where layers of crepe paper like material are sort of embossed onto a fiberboard material, giving a durable product that can be made with recycled materials. It cannot be sanded and restained or painted like wood, it is a laminate product. The laminate can have textured surfaces that can mimic wood and other materials. Thermofoil is a term is used for certain laminates generally on european or frameless cabinetry and can be fairly expensive depending on color and texture. If the laminate is good quality, such as the textured thermofused variety, it should hold up well. Get a sample and try to scratch it with a key and see how it holds up. Kitchencraft makes a laminate material that mimics bamboo. I have used these with success.
http://www.tafisa.ca/index.php?show_aux_page=243 is a link to a Canadian manufacturer of thermofused melamine panels where you can read about durability and manufacturing process.

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Comments (12)

Emily Hurley
12 years ago
That's a great question. I hope someone has some answers for you!
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lagirl
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you Toni! I got a quote from poggenpohl for beautiful cabinetry and from an italian company and both were for thermafused melamine. I understand the thermafused material has only recently come to the US although its been used for several years in Europe for cabinet doors. I got a quote from a local company for thermafused melamine and the door material looked extremely similar to the poggenpohl so I was very excited. BUT it is not cheap-almost as much as wood veneer. The owner of the company said it is great stuff--I did try to scratch the sample door with my key and no way! The light scratch just vanished when I wiped it. My question is: is wood veneer much "nicer"? I love the look of the TFM and am getting all German hinges and bifolds so I think it is going to be so similar to poggenpohl but much cheaper. Any thoughts? I don't want to make the wrong choice...THANK YOU!
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Toni Sabatino
12 years ago
I do not think the veneer is much "nicer" at all. I am a fan of the laminated products. A wood veneer is a thin sheet of wood, subject to liquids, moisture, scratches and really cannot be refinished either. I think you are making a great choice with the locally manufactured poggenpohl style.It seems great for the look, durability, your pockets and the local economy. ...and you are welcome!
lagirl
Original Author
12 years ago
You are terrific! Thanks so much for setting my mind at ease! I can't wait for my new kitchen :)
PRO
Toni Sabatino
12 years ago
Thank you!!!!
bill3d
12 years ago
Thermally fused melamine has been around since at least the 80's, just not in the color selecton it is available in now. There are a number of door manufacturers that make doors in the colors you are talking about, including in thermofoil. Companies like Northern Contours, Doormark, Thermoform of America, etc. can help you find a company that uses their doors and will make the cabinets custom for your kitchen.
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User
11 years ago
The new line from Bentwood Luxury Kitchens, "Harmoni" offers a similar product for considerably less than the European imports. Check it out at harmonikitchens.com
lweingarden79
10 years ago
Is themally fused melamine the same thing as thermofoil? Do you need heat shields when using it?
Taylor Miles
7 years ago
Thermofused Melamine if purchased from the right supplier can be More durable, more cost effective and Environmentally friendly alternative to HardWood. Dont confuse with MDF board, or Laminate. These are different products. High end European Cabinet manufactures have been using for years. There is some good info on this blog post. https://nwpsocal.com/blog/stevenswood-thermofused-tfl/
PRO
Interior Door and Closet Company
7 years ago
Yes there is a wide range in quality so be careful, but if its high quality its more durable and affordable than traditional hardwood.
PRO
HEI Design
6 years ago
If your cabinetry professional is able to source different brands locally you're going to have some extremely attractive color/grain combinations to consider. You'll also enjoy color/pattern consistency, allowing you to bookmatch and/or order an exact replacement should a problem arise (although bookmatching makes that a more costly proposition).

Also, I agree with what others above have said. This category of products is arguably more durable that wood veneers, and anyone that tells you "but you can sand and refinish the damage if it's wood" isn't being practical. Your're not going to sand/refinish damage or replace a component years later and be happy with the consistency.

As a professional, I wouldn't hesitate to use TFL when remodeling my own home.